Armed men struck the palace of the traditional ruler of Ile Ere community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday evening, abducting HRH Oba Simeon Olaonipekun and his son, Olaolu Olaonipekun, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to eyewitnesses, about eight gunmen invaded the palace around 8:30 pm, shooting sporadically before forcing their way inside.
They specifically demanded to see the monarch and his wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, who was shot in the arm during the attack and later taken to the hospital.
A family source present during the incident narrated:
“They gained entrance and requested for the Kabiyesi, and he came out. They were also asking for his wife, but she had already been hit by a bullet in the arm.”
Olaolu, one of the monarch’s sons who was home for the holiday, was also seized after emerging from hiding. The attackers reportedly spoke fluent English, did not rob any other part of the town, and left immediately after taking the two captives.
Community vigilantes were unable to repel the assault due to being outnumbered and outgunned. The incident has been reported to police divisions in Owu Isin and Ijara Isin, as well as local security networks.
As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, and no contact has been made with the abductors.
The community has appealed to the state government and security agencies to expedite efforts to secure the safe release of the traditional ruler and his son.
